be frightened that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be frightened that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a feeling of fear or anxiety about a specific situation or outcome. Example: "I tend to be frightened that I will fail the exam if I don't study hard enough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I don't have a strong opinion about it, in terms of morality, but I would be frightened that they would not be taken sufficient care of.

The Guardian - Arts

Do not be frightened that our population is forecast to rise to 10 billion – it may not, and even if it does there is more than enough to go round.

The Guardian - Books

"I think that the requirement to put out everything into the public domain will stop us doing potentially interesting analysis because we will be frightened that that will be mis-interpreted".

The Guardian

Do not be frightened that our population is forecast to rise to 10 billion – it may not, and even if it does there is more than enough to go round.

The Guardian - Books

"What did the detectives say to you at your home that evening?" "They told me that I should not be frightened, that they were going to protect me and that they would guard me when I went to work and that nothing was going to happen to me".

The New Yorker

City's men's team have finished above United in each of the past four Premier League seasons - could United be frightened that, if they had a women's team, it would be overshadowed by City too?

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Do you have any sense of any one particular thing that is frightening, that's lurking out there?

The New Yorker

"People were frightened that it was happening.

The Guardian

"People were frightened that the bridge would break".

The New York Times

They are frightened that they are losing the argument.

The Guardian - Opinion

What Jones was not telling anyone was that he was frightened that he was losing his mind.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be frightened that", ensure the context clearly identifies the source of the fear or anxiety. Provide specific details about what is causing the feeling of fright to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be frightened that" when a milder term like "worry" or "concerned" more accurately reflects the level of unease. Overstating the fear can diminish the impact of your message and make it seem exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be frightened that" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of fear or apprehension regarding a specific outcome or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show its usage in various contexts to convey concern about potential negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be frightened that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express fear or anxiety about a specific outcome. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, with examples primarily appearing in News & Media. It is used in neutral register. When writing, ensure the context clarifies the source of the fear. While useful, consider alternatives like "be afraid that" for similar sentiments, adjusting for the desired level of intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be afraid that

This alternative is a direct synonym, expressing the same feeling of fear or apprehension.

fear that

This alternative is a more concise and slightly more formal way of expressing the same concern.

have a fear that

This alternative emphasizes the existence of a specific fear regarding a particular outcome.

worry that

This alternative suggests a milder form of concern, focusing on anxiety rather than intense fear.

be anxious that

This alternative focuses on the feeling of unease and worry, often about an uncertain event.

be concerned that

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes concern or unease about a situation.

be apprehensive that

This alternative suggests a feeling of anxiety about the future or something that might happen.

dread that

This alternative suggests a strong feeling of apprehension about something that is likely to happen.

have misgivings that

This alternative implies a sense of doubt or unease about a potential outcome.

tremble at the thought that

This alternative indicates a more extreme reaction of fear and anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "be frightened that" in a sentence?

Use "be frightened that" to express fear or anxiety about a specific outcome. For example, "I "am frightened that" I will fail the test if I don't study." This indicates a fear of failing the test.

What are some alternatives to "be frightened that"?

You can use alternatives such as "be afraid that", "worry that", or "be concerned that" depending on the level of fear you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "be frightened of" instead of "be frightened that"?

"Be frightened of" is used to express fear of a thing or a situation, whereas "be frightened that" is used to express fear about a specific outcome or consequence. For example, "I am frightened of spiders" vs. "I "am frightened that" I will encounter spiders in the basement."

What is the difference between "be frightened that" and "fear that"?

The phrase "be frightened that" often conveys a stronger emotional response than "fear that". "Fear that" can be a more formal or detached way of expressing concern, while "be frightened that" implies a more visceral or intense feeling of fear.